Medical assistants are an important part of the medical industry, performing both clinical and administrative tasks. There are different types of medical assistants, including CMA-certified medical assistants and RMA-registered medical assistants. So what is the difference between these two types of medical assistants? Let’s take a closer look.
What is CMA?
CMA stands for Certified Medical Assistant. A CMA is a health care professional who works alongside physicians, providing patient care and performing clinical and administrative tasks. The CMA scope of practice varies from state to state but generally includes taking medical histories, measuring vital signs, administering injections and vaccinations, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with diagnostic procedures.
CMAs may also perform basic lab tests and handle billing and coding tasks. To become a CMA, one must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program and pass a national certification exam. The CMA credential is valid for 60 months, after which recertification is required.
What is RMA?
- RMA is the professional designation for a Registered Medical Assistant. RMA’s are trained medical professionals who assist physicians and other healthcare providers in the delivery of patient care. RMA’s may perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, scheduling appointments, and performing basic laboratory tests.
- RMA’s are an important part of the healthcare team and play a vital role in providing quality patient care. The RMA designation is recognized and respected by employers and patients alike, and RMA’s who maintain their certification are highly sought after in the healthcare industry.
- Those who wish to become an RMA must complete an accredited education program and pass a national certification exam. RMA’s who maintain their certification must also complete continuing education requirements on a regular basis. RMA’s who are looking for rewarding careers in healthcare should consider becoming certified RMA’s.
Difference between CMA and RMA
- CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) and RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) are both credentials that can be earned by completing an accredited medical assisting program. CMA certification is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants, while RMA certification is offered by the American Medical Technologists.
- Both CMA and RMA certification exams test knowledge in a variety of areas, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient confidentiality, and medical office procedures. However, there are some key differences between the two credentials.
- CMA certification is valid for 60 months, whereas RMA certification does not expire. CMA certification requires recertification every 5 years through continuing education or re-examination, while RMA certification does not have this requirement.
- In terms of scope of practice, RMAs are allowed to perform additional tasks beyond those of CMAs, such as phlebotomy and electrocardiography. Finally, CMAs are certified through a national organization, while RMAs are registered through a state organization.
Conclusion
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is granted by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), while the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential is granted by the American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA). CMAs must pass an exam and complete a certain number of hours of continuing education every 2 years in order to maintain their certification.
RMAs, on the other hand, are not required to pass an exam but must complete continuing education credits annually. So what’s the difference between a CMA and RMA? A CMA has passed an exam and met all requirements set forth by the AAMA, demonstrating that they have mastered essential medical assistant skills.
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